The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary & Tips

Do you want to see the best of New Zealand on the ultimate road trip adventure?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

This itinerary starts in Rotorua on the North Island and travels via Queenstown to Christchurch on the South Island.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy more historic landmarks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and incredible experiences than you could ever hope to imagine.

Only then will you fully understand why Aotearoa is a country unlike any other on Earth!

Before you start

To do this ultimate road trip, you are going to need time. The more, the better.

Overall, two weeks is probably the minimum amount of time to set aside for this itinerary. However, if you have a month up your sleeve, that would be ideal.

You will also need to hire a vehicle – a 4WD is a good option, especially in the winter months, because some of the roads can be tricky to navigate in a 2WD.

Thankfully, Go Rentals’ car rentals in New Zealand have a decent range to choose from. They also allow you to pick up and drop off in different locations.

Itinerary

This itinerary includes a mix of popular and lesser-known destinations which highlight the best of 100% Pure New Zealand.

Stage 1 – Rotorua

Rotorua is renowned for its volcanic activity, so it would be worth checking out the Wai-o-Tapu thermal reserve, which is about 30km south of the city.

It’s best to come early in the morning to see the impressive Lady Knox geyser erupt (usually around 10:15 a.m.). You should also spend some time around the famous champagne pool.

Elsewhere in Rotorua, you can enjoy the luxury of a Polynesian spa, explore the Rotorua Museum and experience an evening of Maori culture.

Stage 2 – East Cape

This area is less visited than other parts of the North Island, partly because it is quite remote. However, its dramatic landscape of sweeping plains and remote driftwood-littered beaches is captivating.

Spend some time at beautiful Tolaga Bay, visit the East Cape lighthouse and stop at some of the wonderful black sand beaches during your time here.

Stage 3 – East Coast

The East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island will take your breath away.

Start at the quaint art deco town of Napier and make your way towards the world-class wineries of the Hawke’s Bay region, where you can check out some award-winning cellar doors.

From here, venture towards Wellington via the stunning Wairarapa region, which accommodates a jaw-dropping coastline.

Stage 4 – Wellington

New Zealand’s capital is worth visiting before you head on to the South Island. It is actually best to park your car here, as the city is very walkable.

Head up to Mount Victoria for fantastic panoramic city views, and be sure to pop into Te Papa Museum, which is probably the best in New Zealand.

Stage 5 – Queen Charlotte Sound

After taking the ferry between the islands, you might fancy stretching your legs. So, head to Queen Charlotte Sound, which is home to one of the country’s best walks and showcases stunning coastal views and vibrant native bushland.

Spend a couple of days exploring here and looking for accommodation in the town of Picton. 

Stage 6 – Nelson

If you love coffee, you’ll want to spend some quality time in Nelson, which has a reputation for being one of the best places to get your caffeine fix in New Zealand. Some cafes even roast the beans in front of you!

The city is also a terrific base for exploring the Abel Tasman and the spectacular Golden Bay.

Stage 7 – West coast of the South Island

The West Coast is somewhere you could easily spend a month, as there are so many different beautiful landscapes and points of interest to see.

One place that should be on your radar is Karamea, which is home to some incredible rock formations at the Oparara Basin. These include hollow limestone caves and arches that span over 200 metres. Be sure to try the local delicacy of whitebait while you are in town.

Other places you should check out include the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers at the foothills of the Southern Alps and Lake Matheson, aka Mirror Lake, which is known for its incredible photo opportunities.

Stage 8 – Wanaka & Queenstown

With the glaciers crossed off your list, you should make your way to Wanaka and Queenstown.

The former is a resort town that is the gateway to the Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, while the latter is the Adventure Capital of the World. Both offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities and high-octane activities to keep your pulse racing.

Stage 9 – Milford Sound 

You can’t venture all this way and not make your way to Milford Sound. While it’s a bit of a drive from Queenstown, the scenery on the way there is absolutely worth it.

The landscape changes quite dramatically from one mile to the next, from soaring mountains to windswept plains. Road conditions can be a bit iffy, so stop at the Te Anau DOC office to get the real-time lowdown on what to expect.

When at Milford Sound, make sure you take a cruise deep into the heart of the area to fully appreciate the dramatic nature of its scenery, which includes waterfalls that cascade for hundreds of metres into the sea over cliffs.

Stage 10 – Christchurch

The final leg of this ultimate road trip will take you to Christchurch, which you could do via a quick stop off at Mount Cook.

It’s a beautiful city known for its English heritage, where you can punt on the River Avon, relax at Hagley Park or stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens.

If you are into art, you can also check out the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA) and the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.